December 28, 2016
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA names new administrator for Dallas region

WASHINGTON - Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels has appointed Kelly Knighton as the new administrator of the agency's Dallas regional office. She will oversee enforcement and compliance assistance efforts to protect worker safety and health in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Prior to becoming regional administrator, Knighton served as deputy regional administrator and area director for the San Antonio area office.
"Kelly has been a tremendous asset to this agency throughout her career and I am confident that she will be an effective leader in enforcing occupational safety and health standards that accomplish the agency's mission of protecting America's workers," said Assistant Secretary Michaels.

Knighton began her career with OSHA in 1995 as a Compliance Safety and Health Officer in Houston, Texas, where she investigated accidents involving manufacturing, construction, petrochemical, logging, maritime and oil and gas exploration. As a Compliance Assistance Specialist, she was instrumental in collaborating with trade associations, employers, local governments, universities and high schools to create partnerships and alliances.

Knighton graduated from the University of Houston - Clear Lake with a bachelor's degree in environmental science in industrial hygiene and occupational safety. She is a certified safety professional and a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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